This year’s Michigan State University Global Focus Photo Contest winners capture images spanning the globe. From Tanzania to Nepal, Cambodia, Iran and remote areas of Russia, Spartans have a gift for capturing poignant stories through photography and imagery.

First, second and third place winners were selected by a panel of judges for three audience categories: Students/Scholars, Alumni and Faculty/Staff/Retirees, as well as Best Story Behind the Photo and Spartan Pride. The judging panel consisted of MSU staff members, an alumnus and a current student.

People’s Choice voting was done virtually on the International Studies and Programs website from Nov. 1-7.

The annual photo competition encourages Spartans to share their experiences and perspectives around the world. In total, 98 photos were submitted during the month of October.

First place winners include “Panning Through Time,” taken in Vienna, Austria by Syed Haider, professor of civil and environmental engineering; “Nomadic Nenets way of life — day of rest at the chum,” taken at the Yamal Peninsula, North of Russia by Tanya Iretskaya, a 2025 alumna in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources; and “Music in the Ceiling,” taken in Isfahana, Iran by Mohammad Rajaian Hoonejani, a doctoral student in the School of Planning, Construction and Design. For a complete list of place winners and to view winning photos, visit the ISP website, Instagram and Facebook.

Haider won first place in the faculty/staff/retiree category last year as well.

“I have been participating since 2016; it’s always fun when someone recognizes your work,” Haider said.

People’s Choice winners for each entrant category include “Sea Aster in the Ring of Kerry,” taken in Ballyreen, Ireland by Mikala Rioux, a fiscal officer in The Graduate School (Faculty/Staff/Retiree); “The Old King of the Mole,” taken in Mole National Park, Ghana by Brian Bielecki, an alumnus of Lyman Briggs College (Alumni); and “Faith Amid the Chaos,” taken near Boudhanath Stupa, Kathmandu, Nepal by Aanchal Gupta, a doctoral student in the College of Engineering (Student).

People’s Choice and placement category winners’ photos will be professionally framed and displayed in the International Center. Global Spartan swag bags and gift certificates will also be awarded to category place winners.

Jennifer Olson, a professor emeritus in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences, received the Global Spartan Pride award for her photo “On Safari!” taken in Tarangire National Park, Tanzania.

There was a significant uptick in the submissions for Best Story Behind the Photo. This year’s award recipient is Bielecki for his story “The Old King of Mole.”

All winning photographs were featured on digital channels and may be used in future marketing materials. Additional entries may be featured as well. 

Banner image photo credit: “On Safari!” by Jennifer Olson, winner of Spartan Pride.